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Are gas-powered leaf blowers banned in the City of Mountain View?
Municipal code does not prohibit gas-powered landscaping equipment use within Mountain View.
However, the State and the City are encouraging the transition to electric alternatives. Here is some information about the initiatives underway.
Regulation: As of January 1 2024, the sale of new small off-road engines (including leaf blowers) must be zero-emission in California, as a result of law AB 1346 (2021). The City of Mountain View submitted a letter of support for this legislation.
Many residents have asked for the regulation of gas-powered leaf blowers and other landscaping equipment due to their noise and air quality impacts. In response, the City Council discussed pursuing a leaf blower ordinance or incentive program at a Study Session on December 1, 2020 and a Study Session on March 16, 2021. Council did not want to supersede pending state legislation that would phase out gas-powered leaf blowers (see above). Council instead asked staff to consider a local or regional rebate or trade-in program.
Incentives for residents: During Spring 2024, Silicon Valley Clean Energy is offering a $50 incentive toward electric leaf blowers, lawn mowers, chainsaws, and trimmers, which can be found on their Appliances Assist web tool. In the past, the City has partnered with Silicon Valley Clean Energy to launch their first electric landscape equipment incentive program for residents. Future programs will continue to be shared with Mountain View residents on the Sustainability website, newsletter, and social media channels.
Incentives for professional landscapers: Through Senate Bill 170, the State appropriated $30 million in vouchers to fund zero-emission small off-road equipment for professional landscaping services operated by small businesses or sole proprietors. The project, referred to as the Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE), launched on November 7, 2022 and provides a discount to help offset the cost of zero-emission technology for landscapers. This spring 2023, the City sent out information to over 400 landscape businesses, promoting this incentive program.
Moving forward: The City is continuing to explore initiatives to promote electric landscape equipment, and any updates will be shared in the sustainability newsletter: MountainView.gov/Sustainability.
Thank you again for contacting us and let me know if I can assist you further. (FAQ11804)
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